More than words: How conversation builds our world

What is it about?

Have you ever wondered why we use the same word, 'meaning,' to describe both the definition of a word and our sense of purpose in life? Based on John Dewey's work, this paper argues that the process of meaning-making in language is similar to the process of meaning-making in life. According to Dewey, we live in a world of 'raw,' meaningless events. It is only through communication that we can turn these events into a shared, meaningful experience. The paper shows how this perspective complements and enriches major theories in the study of language and dialogue.

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Photo by Etienne Boulanger on Unsplash

Photo by Etienne Boulanger on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Understanding that communication is not just a means of transferring information, but a fundamental process of meaning-making, changes how we think about language, society, and personal well-being. The article highlights that dialogue is a necessary condition for a meaningful life. This understanding reinforces the importance of educating for dialogue, fostering respectful discourse, and recognizing the power of language to build—or destroy—worlds of meaning.